Without First Nations Accountability Act, it's 'impossible' to get info: ex-AFN employee

OTTAWA - A former employee of the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador says without the First Nations Accountability Act, it would be "impossible" for those living on reserves to find out how community funds are spent.

Michael Benedict, a tax specialist and member of the Odanak First Nation, said he has first-hand experience with the difficulties that can follow by questioning First Nations' leadership, particularly about financial matters.

"It's not difficult for First Nations' to get information on how their money is spent," he said. "It's impossible and these financial problems are due to lack of financial responsibility and accountability on reserve."

Under the the First Nations Accountability Act, chiefs and band council are now required by law to post financial information online.

One salary recently illuminated by this legislation was that of Kwikwetlem Chief Ron Giesbrecht, who earned $914, 219 in 2013 plus $16,574 in expenses.

The band explained its chief is entitled to a bonus of 10% of profits from projects successfully secured by the chief.

Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau never supported the bill and after acknowledging in a weekend interview with a Vancouver paper that it had highlighted a fairly striking salary that wouldn't have otherwise been known, he then admitted that he'd still scrap the bill if he were prime minister .

"I wouldn't keep the legislation in place," Trudeau told the Vancouver Sun. "I would work with First Nations to make sure that a proper accountability act that would have disclosed any excesses we see, but is done in a way that is respectful of the First Nation communities."

Benedict believes what is truly disrespectful of First Nations communities is situations when band members are denied access to information and then punished for asking.

When leadership is so often solely responsible for the doling out community-designated funds, Benedict said anyone who questions becomes open to intimidation and abuse.

"This is why so few will speak out," Benedict told QMI Agency.

Giesbrecht's salary is not the only one to raise eyebrows.

On the Samson Cree Nation in Alberta, the average income is roughly $12,828. The chief's salary is listed at $190,073 -- 1,482% more than the average.

The Acadia First Nation in Nova Scotia lists its average on-reserve income as $16,454. Its chief makes $130,000.

To date, the majority of First Nations leadership have not posted their information. Aboriginal Affairs Minister Bernard Valcourt extended the deadline until November.

Valcourt also indicated that he may withhold funds from bands refusing to post the required information.

The Canadian Taxpayer Federation, which lobbied extensively for the accountability act, was left shaking its head at Trudeau's position.

"We have heard some heartbreaking tales from people on reserves who have been bullied, harassed and assaulted for daring to ask questions about where public funds are going," CTF Prairie director Colin Craig said.